Traffic heavy as Bomber fans flock to U of M

Northbound Pembina highway is a parking lot in the curb lane all the way from Bison Drive to beyond south of Dalhousie Drive as football fans get their first taste of getting to Investors Group Field. However, on campus, University of Manitoba marketing and communications director John Danakas said just after 6 p.m. that people were starting to move more freely as they entered designated lots.

"I think they got the hang of getting people into lots," Danakas reported.

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Some walk and others drive to the CFL pre-season game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts at Investors Group Field Wednesday.

Danakas also said there is plenty room in lot A, which is reserved for U of M staff and students who have campus parking permits.

Parking compliance officers on bicycles have been flying up and down residential streets immediately south of the campus ensuring fans do not try to park in the forbidden zones.

One was seen to place what appeared to be a ticket on a vehicle parked on Townsend Avenue, but said later as she told a reporter to move his vehicle they are only "pamphleting" vehicles this evening.

Trinity Presbyterian Church, about two blocks south of campus, is renting out its 30 parking spaces at $15 a piece.

"We saw some opportunities to raise money for our youth camp," said church student director Joe Kendrick, who had students fanning out with signs to attract drivers.

At Richmond Kings Community Centre, recreation director Murray Harding is patrolling the centre's entrance to restrict parking to lacrosse, karate, and zumba this evening.

Streets around the Kings Drive campus entrance, which is restricted to U of M parking pass holders all evening, are barricaded and staffed to ensure only residents drive down those streets this evening.

Fans without passes attending the event were able to park at businesses outside the stadium. Shirley Mahoney said she and her husband Ed were able to park at the Giant Tiger on Pembina free of charge.

"It was very convenient and we just walked along the old golf course," Mahoney said.

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